Fire screen, tapestry panel

Date1745-1765

MediumMahogany, deal, wool and silk tapestry, woven silk.

DimensionsOH: 56 1/2" OD: 19 1/4" Panel 25 3/8 x 25 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1967-252

DescriptionFire screen with narrow cylindrical post topped by acorn finial; cylindrical, turned pedestal with carved rings and urn at base; stand supported on three cabriole legs terminating in snake feet on pads; tops of knees and feet carved with foliate and C scroll motifs; sides of knees carved with foliate motifs on punchwork ground; rectangular molded frame housing rectangular inner frame with vertical medial brace; panel attaches to pole by means of a pair of brass slides, each with a spring mechanism. Panel in a floral design of poppy plant springing from grassy mound, worked in interlocked tapestry weave with coarse linen warp, colored wool and ivory silk wefts. Panel back is light brown silk with dark brown silk weft patterning of scrolling floral branches on diaper-patterned, secondary ground of white silk.